Socializing on the Spectrum : Social Activities Designed to Increase the Understanding and Use of Appropriate Social Skills for Kids With Autism

Socializing on the Spectrum is a collection of activities used to teach social skills to students with autism. The activities included are structured to offer opportunities for discussing and practicing the skills being taught. They are created with the intent to help students develop an understanding of the skills and why they are important, rather than just showing compliance. The activities are designed to give meaning to the students participating in them. A Student Social Skill Assessment is included and can be used to assist with: identifying social skill deficits, tracking progress and writing IEP goals. Instructors have a choice of creating an individualized plan or can follow a 36 week unit plan, which are both outlined within the book. The social skill areas targeted in Socializing on the Spectrum are: accountability, attention, bullying, nonverbal communication, verbal communication, compromising, understanding emotions, conversations, taking care of yourself, self-awareness and self-control, being polite, being respectful, generalization, cooperation and teamwork, expressing needs and connecting with others.